The CBS classic Diagnosis Murder is a treasure trove for fans of compelling mysteries and intriguing characters. As a dedicated enthusiast of the show, particularly its memorable villains, I was captivated once again by the episode “Murder by the Book.” This installment, a standout from season three, showcases a particularly cunning female antagonist and a dramatic climax involving Steve Sloan, prompting a closer look at the events and, yes, even pictures related to the fateful car involved in the resolution.
The episode opens at a book signing event, attended by the familiar trio of Dr. Mark Sloan, Jesse Travis, and Amanda Bentley. The book in question, initially mistaken by Mark as a cookbook by his friend Melissa Farnes, is revealed to be a scandalous tell-all, Munchies, Snacks, and Spreads, penned by call girls Shauna Teague, Carrie, and Melissa. This revelation sets the stage for a series of deadly events. Jesse, starstruck by Shauna, gets a preview of the book’s contents, while Melissa and Carrie proceed to a radio interview. Suddenly, a chilling call interrupts the broadcast, revealing Shauna’s kidnapping, immediately followed by the shocking news of her murder. Adding to the suspense, Melissa discovers a death threat within a copy of their book, and Carrie also falls victim to a brutal killing.
The ensuing investigation initially points to Thomas Pitt, an ex-convict, who is later found dead in a taxi. However, the danger is far from over. The episode reaches its peak when Melissa becomes the target of a driver attempting to run her down. In a heroic intervention, Steve Sloan appears, firing shots at the pursuing vehicle.
The car screeches to a halt, the driver neutralized by Steve’s accurate shots. But the true shock comes when Steve opens the driver’s side door. The person behind the wheel is none other than Shauna Teague, the supposedly abducted and murdered author. This pivotal moment, often captured in stills and discussed by fans searching for “pictures of diagnosis murder steve’s car scene,” reveals the depth of Shauna’s deception.
The subsequent unraveling of the plot exposes Shauna as the mastermind. Driven by greed, she orchestrated a murderous scheme to exploit an all-rights clause under an assumed identity. Her plan involved faking her own death and eliminating her co-authors. Thomas Pitt, initially a suspect, was Shauna’s accomplice, tasked with abducting Carrie before Shauna herself murdered her. However, Pitt’s conscience began to trouble him, and he intended to confess to Carrie. Shauna, ruthless as ever, silenced Pitt after killing Carrie. Finally, she made her attempt on Melissa, only to be decisively stopped by Steve Sloan’s intervention and those crucial shots fired at the car, actions often visualized in “pictures of diagnosis murder steve’s car chase.”
“Murder by the Book,” airing as the third-to-last episode of Diagnosis Murder‘s third season on April 19, 1996, features a memorable performance by Musetta Vander as Shauna Teague. Vander brilliantly portrays Shauna as a cold, calculating villainess, driven by avarice and devoid of remorse. While her on-screen time is primarily focused on Shauna’s seductive façade, the underlying ruthlessness of the character is palpable. Shauna Teague stands out as one of the series’ most compelling antagonists, and her dramatic downfall at the hands of Steve Sloan, involving that now-iconic car scene, is a fitting end for such a diabolical character.
Musetta Vander’s portrayal of Shauna Teague is just one example of her numerous villainous roles in television and film. Her extensive career includes appearances in Xena: Warrior Princess, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stargate SG-1, and NCIS, showcasing her versatility in playing complex and often villainous characters. She also appeared in the comedy film Kicking and Screaming.
“Murder by the Book” remains a favorite episode for many Diagnosis Murder fans, thanks to its intricate plot twists, the memorable villainess Shauna Teague, and the heroic actions of Steve Sloan culminating in the dramatic car scene. For those seeking “pictures of diagnosis murder steve’s car” or simply wanting to revisit a classic episode, “Murder by the Book” is a perfect example of Diagnosis Murder at its finest.
